Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal mortality and can put both mother and baby at risk for problems during pregnancy. High blood pressure can also cause problems during and after delivery. Importantly, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are often preventable and treatable. In the U.S., high blood pressure is noted in one in every 12 to 17 pregnancies among women aged 20 to 44. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have become more common, affecting approximately 15% of women during their reproductive years, in part as a result of advanced age at first pregnancy, as well as increasing prevalence of obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors. There are racial/ethnic disparities in both the burden and outcomes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Chronic Hypertension | Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure present before pregnancy or diagnosed before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Women who have chronic hypertension can also develop preeclampsia |
| Gestational Hypertension | Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that develops at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy without evidence of protein in the urine or other heart or kidney problems. Gestational hypertension usually improves after delivery. However, some women with gestational hypertension have a higher risk of developing chronic hypertension in the future. |
| Preeclampsia | Preeclampsia occurs when a woman with previously normal blood pressure suddenly develops high blood pressure and protein in the urine or other problems (e.g., low platelet count, impaired liver function) after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Women who have chronic hypertension can also develop preeclampsia. Preeclampsia occurs in about 1 in 25 pregnancies in the U.S. |
| Eclampsia | Some women with preeclampsia can develop seizures. This is called eclampsia, which is a medical emergency. |
| Hemolysis Elevated Liver Enzymes and Low Platelet Count (HELLP) Syndrome | HELLP syndrome is life-threatening condition that can occur during pregnancy or soon after delivery. It can cause high blood pressure and seizures, and can lead to a potentially fatal liver disorder or stroke if left untreated. |
Lifestyle and behavioral interventions, including optimal maternal weight gain and diet, can improve pregnancy outcomes. Exercise may reduce gestational hypertension and preeclampsia risk by 30% to 40%. Low-dose aspirin started between 12 to 16 weeks of pregnancy can reduce the risk of preeclampsia and related adverse outcomes by 10% to 20% in women at increased risk.1 Accurate blood pressure measurement is important for diagnosing, classifying, and treating hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Several self-measured blood pressure devices are accurate in pregnant women, including those with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
As part of your regular prenatal care, your healthcare provider will measure your blood pressure at each visit. Learn more about how to prepare for a blood pressure test.
If you have high blood pressure, you and your baby will be closely monitored so you can receive special care to lower the chance of complications. You may need to:
If your healthcare provider is concerned about you or your baby’s health, they may recommend that you deliver your baby before 39 weeks. You may need to stay in the hospital to get medicine that will help your baby’s lungs develop faster and to be monitored before and after you deliver your baby.